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Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Lawyers

There is no greater tragedy than a loved one’s death after a car accident or other type of accident. Surviving family members deserve justice. The Advocates are here to help you get that.

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A Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Assist You with Your Case 

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death in Utah. A person’s death can happen in many ways: defective products, workplace accidents, and truck accidents, to name a few. Unfortunately, the deceased person’s loved ones are often left with grief, pain, and suffering.  

This difficult time should not be more painful than necessary. Our legal advice is to hire a wrongful death attorney so you are not left with medical bills, funeral expenses, and other costs that came from the accident.  

We have testimonials from hundreds of clients attesting to the expert way in which we conduct legal action. Helping people in situations like yours is what drives us to do the work we do.  

We promise to fight for a fair settlement that provides you with financial support. This wrongful act cannot be undone, but our Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyers promise to ease your burden by any means within our power. Call us today for a free consultation. 

The Next Steps in Your Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful Death

If another person’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you may have a case

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin your case

Compile Documents

Gather relevant documents, like a death certificate and medical bills

Investigation

Your attorney, with the assistance of other experts, will investigate the cause of death

Negotiations

Your attorney will negotiate with the other party in an attempt to settle out of court

Lawsuits

If the other party refuses to settle, your attorney will represent you in court

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate. 

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees. 

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We do not get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement. 

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page. 

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. 

Your attorney will gather evidence, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.  

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime.  

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more. 

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action. 

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin. 

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator. 

Team of attorneys communicate in a meeting

A Team of Wrongful Death Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.  

We can help you:  

  • Understand the claims process 
  • Investigate your accident 
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters 
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at fault party 

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

When Should I Hire a Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorney? 

Wrongful death law in Utah is complicated. The client relationship matters most to us, so we recommend that you contact The Advocates as soon as you can.   Unfortunately, you only have two years to file a wrongful death suit. That time goes by quickly after the death of a loved one. We recommend you call us right away so we can ease your burden by taking on the legal aspects of this tragedy.  You might not be emotionally ready to begin this process—and you might never be. We get it. The law is complex and scary. But all it takes is a call to our Salt Lake City office.   From there, our attorneys will provide you with legal representation so you can focus on what matters most: Remembering your loved one who has passed and spending time with those who are still here. 

The Basics of a Wrongful Death Claim 

Common causes of wrongful deaths 

The foundation of a wrongful death claim is the loss of a loved one, which can occur in a variety of ways: 

  • Medical malpractice 
  • Motor vehicle accidents 
  • Workplace accidents 
  • Defective products  
  • Criminal acts 
  • Nursing home negligence 
  • Premises liability 

Civil vs criminal case: Which will yours be? 

Your wrongful death claim will be a civil case, not a criminal one. The Advocates’ goal is not to inflict punitive damages against the responsible party but to ensure you and your family do not suffer more harm than necessary. 

The purpose of a civil case is to provide you with compensation. The purpose of a criminal case is to punish the behavior of the responsible party. 

The types of damages you can sue for 

Personal injury claims, a wrongful death suit—every case is different and causes different damages. 

In general, here is what people generally sue for in a wrongful death claim: 

  • Funeral expenses for the deceased person 
  • Medical expenses 
  • Non-economic damages like pain and suffering 
  • Loss of companionship 
  • Lost wages  
  • Property damage 

Utah Law on Wrongful Deaths 

Who is responsible for the deceased person’s estate? 

Usually, the executor is responsible for filing a wrongful death claim. They will be named in the deceased’s will. 

If there is no will, a judge will appoint an executor. The following groups are typically given charge of the decedent’s estate: 

  • Heirs: This is usually the surviving spouse, domestic partner, adult children, stepchildren, blood relatives, or any other close family member. Utah establishes the successor with the law of intestate succession. 
  • Personal representative: Someone in the will chosen to preside over the decedent’s estate. 

What happens after a wrongful death? 

  • Immediate actions: Get medical and police reports, preserve evidence, and obtain a death warrant. 
  • Get a free case evaluation with a Utah wrongful death lawyer: It is best to talk with an expert to determine if your situation qualifies as a wrongful death. 
  • Determine who the personal representative or executor is: This will be in the decedent’s will, or it will be appointed by the court. 
  • Hire a wrongful death attorney: They will represent your interests in the legal process. 
  • Administer the estate: Handle the affairs of the estate. 
  • Take care of yourself: Seek counseling. Be with friends and family. Allow yourself to fully grieve the loss of your loved one. 
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